THE TAX Administration Directorate has made it easier for companies, self-employed persons, partnerships, provident societies and other organisations to meet the March 15 Income Tax deadline, by instituting a number of programmes to make filing returns and paying taxes easier.
Forms online. Taxpayers have the convenience of downloading income tax
forms from the website www.jamaicatax.gov.jm. These forms may be completed electronically and then printed and signed for filing.
Special Taxpayer Assistance Programme. Since January 8, the Tax Administration has been hosting Special Taxpayer Assistance Programmes at several locations across the island. Small business operators and self-employed persons may use this service to get assistance in completing their income tax returns. Details of the schedule are available online and through the toll-free line 1-888-Tax-Help.
Toll-free help line. Persons needing tax advice may call the toll-free number 1-888-Tax-Help. Tax Information Specialists are available to assist taxpayers to understand their rights and responsibilities and to guide them through the filing process. The service operates from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday to Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
Electronic drop box. A new feature of the Tax Administration is the introduction of electronic drop boxes to facilitate the filing of returns and the payment of taxes by cheque. Beginning Monday, March 13, persons visiting the King Street, Cross Roads, Constant Spring, Mandeville, Montego Bay and Spanish Town tax offices will no longer have to wait in line. They will instead be able to use the newly installed electronic drop boxes to file returns and make cheque payments, receiving an immediate electronic validation of the transaction.
Extended opening hours. To meet the demands of the taxpaying public, tax offices will extend opening hours. From March 13 to 16 the Constant Spring and Cross Roads collectorates will open to the public from 8: a.m. to 6 p.m., while the King Street, Mandeville, Montego Bay and Savanna-la-Mar collectorates will open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other collectorates will maintain regular opening and closing hours.
For additional information call the toll-free helpline 1-888-TAX-HELP (1-888-829-4357)
